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How to Care for Wood Dining Chairs
Keep your Amish-made solid wood dining chairs looking beautiful for years to come.
Solid wood dining chairs bring timeless charm and durability to your home. And when Amish woodworkers handcraft them, they’re built to last for generations. But your chairs need regular care to preserve their natural beauty and structural integrity, just like any other investment in quality craftsmanship.
Table of Contents
Cleaning
- Dust your chairs regularly. Since these solid-wood heirloom chairs will be passed down to your children one day, dusting could be a part of their weekly chores. Use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching the varnish.
- Speaking of kids, they are always getting sticky stuff on everything. If you get anything sticky on your wood dining chairs, make sure you wipe it clean immediately.
- Anytime the wood gets wet, dry it immediately to avoid damage.
- Avoid chemical cleaners. Especially anything with silicone, ammonia, or wax.
Seasonal Maintenance
Every few months, take a close look at your dining room chairs. Even though Amish-made, solid wood furniture is heirloom quality and built to last, it is not immune to the effects of wear and tear over time. That’s why you need to make sure you check in on it from time to time.
- Tighten bolts or wooden pegs that may loosen over time.
- Inspect joints for signs of wear, especially on older chairs.
- Rotate chairs occasionally if they sit in sunlight, to avoid uneven fading.
- Maintain stable humidity to prevent swelling or cracking, ideally between 35–45%.
Protecting the Wood Finish
Preventive care extends the life of your chairs’ finish.
- Use felt pads on chair feet to prevent floor scratches. Sliding your solid wood dining chair legs across a tile floor will wear down the legs and damage the chair and the floor.
- Keep chairs away from heating and cooling vents. Extreme temperature swings can damage wood.
- When your chairs need a refreshing, apply a silicone-free polish, such as our Aristo Shield Furniture Polish.
Upholstered Dining Chairs
Give extra attention to whether your dining chairs include fabric or leather upholstery.
- Vacuum fabric seats are regularly used with a soft brush attachment.
- Blot spills immediately, don’t rub, and avoid soaking the fabric.
- Use manufacturer-approved cleaners for tough stains.
- Condition leather seats every 3–6 months to maintain softness and prevent cracking.
Please read our guide to choosing the right upholstery for your dining chairs.
Common Damage to Avoid
Even the most durable Amish-made furniture can show wear when mishandled.
- Don’t lean back or stand on chair legs or rungs.
- Protect from hot dishes. Heat can lift the finish and leave foggy spots.
- Avoid writing directly on chair seats to prevent scratching.
- Slide chairs gently; don’t drag them across the floor.
When to Refinish or Repair
Over time, well-loved furniture may need some professional care.
- It may be time to refinish if the finish appears cloudy, scratched, or worn.
- Light touch-up kits can fix minor marks, but deeper damage may require expert help.
- The good news? Amish wood chairs are made to be refinished, not replaced.
Long-Term Storage Tips
- Make sure they are cleaned and dried before you store them. Storing moist chairs can encourage mildew growth.
- Condition or polish your chairs before storing for protection and preservation.
- Don’t store your dining chairs in garages or sheds, as this will expose them to extreme temperatures or humidity. Keep your chairs in a climate-controlled environment.
- Cover with a breathable fabric. Do not use plastic.
Conclusion
Caring for your solid wood dining chairs takes a little effort, but it is well worth it. With cleaning and maintenance, your Amish-made dining chairs will remain a centerpiece where family memories are made for generations.
Shop: Our Full Collection of Amish Dining Chairs
More Dining Room Chair Resources from DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
Popular Chair Types:
- The Windsor Chair Series
- The Pressback Dining Chair
- The History of the Parsons Chair
- History of Mission Style Furniture
Practical Resources:
- How to Care for Wood Dining Chairs
- Big and Tall Dining Chair Buying Guide
- Dining Table and Chair Sizing Guide
Explore More:
- Shop All Amish Dining Chairs
- Browse Dining Room Sets
- Shop All Dining Seating
- Explore Breakfast Nooks
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